Porcelain paving has become a popular choice for outdoor spaces due to its durability, aesthetic appeal and low maintenance requirements. Available in a range of styles and colours, you can create a gorgeous outdoor space to match your personality and preferences. So how much does it cost?

How much does a porcelain patio cost?

In the UK, the cost of a porcelain patio varies based on factors such as the quality of the tiles, the complexity of the installation and the size of the area. On average, a 40m² porcelain patio costs £4,400 including all materials and installation, but you can spend less or much more.

These costs are just averages based on path and patio specialists’ hourly and daily rates and the costs of materials. The best way to get an accurate price for your project is to get quotes from reputable tradespeople.

Porcelain paving cost per m²

The cost of porcelain paving tiles per square metre depends on the quality and style of the tiles. Generally, porcelain paving tiles are split into three categories: budget, mid-range and high-end. The average cost of porcelain paving tiles per m² is £50, not including installation:

Cost of laying porcelain paving

Laying porcelain paving is a specialised task that requires precision and expertise. While it can be tempting to try to do it yourself, we’d always recommend asking a paving company to lay your patio to get the best finish.

The cost of laying porcelain paving typically ranges from £45 to £75 per m², depending on the work involved. This includes preparation of the base, laying the tiles, grouting and sealing if necessary. You may have to pay more for site preparation, removal of existing paving and any drainage, if required.

Factors affecting the cost of porcelain paving

There are a few factors that can affect the cost of your porcelain paving, and you should consider them carefully before going ahead with your project:

Quality of tiles: Higher quality tiles with better durability and aesthetic features will cost more, but they’re likely to last longer. So although the upfront cost is higher, they may be cheaper in the long term.

Tile size and thickness: Larger and thicker tiles may be more expensive and there are some circumstances where they require more labour to install, but bigger tiles may also take less time to lay and grout, so could save you money on labour.

Pattern and design: If you want a complex pattern or design made from your porcelain paving, this can increase labour costs as it will take your patio and path specialists longer to lay them.

Site preparation: If the existing surface is poor and requires a lot of additional groundwork, you may pay more than the average for labour.

Location: Labour costs vary vastly by region and the expertise of the installer. If you’re in London or the south east, expect to pay more than the average listed above, but if you live in the north of England, Scotland or Wales, you may pay less.

At HaMuch, we’ve used our database of patio and path specialists’ rates to estimate the cost of porcelain paving across the UK. Take a look at our table further down the page to find your nearest town or city and get a more accurate estimate for porcelain paving in your area.

Pros and cons of porcelain paving

Pros

• Durability: Porcelain tiles are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear

• Low maintenance: They are easy to clean and maintain, requiring minimal upkeep

• Great aesthetics: Available in a wide range of colours, textures and finishes to suit any design style

• Weather resistant: Resistant to frost, UV rays and moisture, making them suitable for the our variable climate.

• Stain resistant: Less porous than natural stone, so they are less likely to stain.

Cons

• Cost: Higher initial cost compared to some other paving materials, but the long-term cost may be lower.

• Installation: Requires skilled labour for proper installation – it’s not recommended to do a DIY job.

• Temperature: Can become slippery when wet and may feel cold underfoot in colder weather.

How long will a porcelain patio last?

With proper installation and maintenance, a porcelain patio can last for 20 years or more. All porcelain tiles are known for their resistance to cracking, fading and weather, but the higher-end tiles are likely to stay looking fabulous for longer.

Is porcelain paving slippery when wet?

Porcelain paving can be slippery when wet, but most tiles come with a textured or anti-slip finish designed to provide better grip and reduce the risk of slipping.

If you know you’ll need to use the garden a lot with water around, for example if you have many plants to water or you have a swimming pool or a hot tub, make sure you choose a porcelain tile with a textured finish so you reduce the chances of anyone slipping over.

What's better, sandstone or porcelain?

Whether sandstone or porcelain is better is ultimately down to personal preferences and what you will use the paving for. Some of the key features of sandstone and porcelain include:

Sandstone:

• Natural and rustic appearance

• Slightly cheaper in some cases

• More porous, so can require more maintenance and sealing

• Better for the environment as it can be recycled, is biodegradable and the manufacturing process doesn’t use chemicals

Porcelain:

• More durable and less maintenance required

• Available in a wide variety of finishes

• More resistant to weathering and staining

• Fireproof, making it ideal for BBQ or fire pit areas

The choice between sandstone and porcelain is down to your budget, the kind of look you want for your garden and the condition of the ground in the area you want to use it.

Can you jet wash outdoor porcelain tiles?

Yes, you can jet wash outdoor porcelain tiles. Porcelain is highly durable and can withstand the pressure of a jet wash. However, it is advisable to use a low to medium pressure setting to avoid any potential damage to the grout lines or the tiles themselves.

You shouldn’t need to jet wash your porcelain tiles very often, unless they are getting regular heavy use such as lots of garden parties!

Is a porcelain patio worth it?

Yes, we think a porcelain patio is worth it! If you’re looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space, porcelain tiles will tick all of these boxes.

Although the initial cost is higher than some other paving options, the durability and minimal upkeep required make porcelain a cost-effective choice in the long run. Plus, the wide range of design options available allows for a customised and stylish patio that can enhance the overall value and enjoyment of your home.

So, are you ready to get quotes for a new porcelain patio or path? Post your job on HaMuch now and we’ll put you in touch with paving specialists in your area.

Estimates for common patio and path specialist jobs;

Rates for other trades